Abstract:

In a combined RTD and demonstration project the possibilities of a newly developed, very promising, bright hemp variety will be explored, and the molecular basis of the high quality will be determined to try to further improve the variety. In the RTD part, the cultivation, harvesting, processing and refinement of the new variety will be tested and optimised. Different qualities of fibre produced will be tested in biodegradable diapers, yarns and composites. To allow improvement of the new variety in the future, the molecular basis leading to the high fibre quality will be determined by physical, spectroscopical and molecular genetic analysis. This will allow the development of new hemp varieties in the future. In the demonstration part, the results of the RTD part will be implemented and commercial utilisation of the variety will be initiated.

Objectives:

In a previously conducted EU project, a new bright hemp variety has been developed whith a fibre quality which compares favourably to that of currently available hemp varieties. Processing of the new bright hemp revealed that the decortication is noticeably better. Less energy was needed to isolate the fibres. Furthermore, the isolated fibres appear to have better quality than that of commonly used hemp varieties. Based on these initial studies the hemp variety looks promising for European agriculture. In order to improve the performance of the new bright hemp variety at all steps of the agronomic production chain, growing conditions for seed multiplication as well as for fibre production of the hemp variety will be tested in the RTD part of the project in a number of European countries. Methods for harvesting raw plant material and isolation of fibres will be analysed and optimised. The obtained fibre material will be processed by various methods (including steam explosion). The chemical composition and physical characteristics of processed fibres will be determined and compared to a standard European hemp-fibre quality. The technical and economical applicability of the obtained fibres in the production process will be analysed. If the quality of the fibres of the new hemp variety meets the demands of the industrial partners a demonstration part will be initiated within the project. The results of the RTD part will be implemented, modifications of the production lines will be conducted, and prototypes of hemp-based composites, biodegradable diapers and dry and wet spun yarns will be produced by the industrial partners. Another objective of the project is to determine the molecular basis for the improved decortication and performance of the fibre. Detailed morphological, physical and chemical analyses of bast fibres will be conducted. Gene expression in bast fibre tissue will be analysed with DNA microarray during various stages of development. Based on the obtained expression patterns and data from the physical and spectroscopic analysis, a sub-selection of genes whose functions are correlated to fibre quality, will be identified. These genes will be isolated and the function of the genes will be determined. A number of these genes will be used to produce transgenic plants that will elucidate the role of these genes in fibre quality. This knowledge will lead to hemp plants with a modified fibre quality. The knowledge obtained in the project will enable the future design of new custom-made hemp varieties for tailor-made industrial applications.

Contacts

Coordinator

• Plant Research International NETHERLANDS

EC Scientific Officer

• Ciarán MANGAN / European Commission - DG Research Quality of Life Programme - Unit B1.2 / BELGIUM

Participant

• Rudolf KESSLER / Fachhochschule fur Technik und Wirts GERMANY
• Helmut ZIMMER / Funder Industrie Gesellschaft m.b.H. AUSTRIA
• John HOBSON / Hemcore Ltd UNITED KINGDOM
• Henk VAN DIJKE / Vandijke SEMO b.v. NETHERLANDS
• Andrew GRANT / William Ross & Co. Ltd UNITED KINGDOM
• Zignago Tessile SpA ITALY